As with any complicated health issue, there are a lot of opinions and beliefs surrounding the diabetics’ oral health. Below are some common questions I am asked, along with answers.

Q: Doc, I don’t have to worry about gum disease, right? I brush every day and control my blood sugar.

A: To the contrary, gum disease is very common; according to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly half of adults over age 30 suffer from some form of gum disease. Over 26 million people in the US have diabetes. Emerging research suggests the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but, serious gum disease may affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Because gum disease is so prevalent and because diabetics are nearly twice as likely to develop some form of gum disease, regular dental visits are critical to maintaining your overall health.

Q: Doc, I brush and floss everyday. What other preventive steps can I take as a diabetic concerned about periodontal disease?

A: First and foremost, control your blood glucose level. This can also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes. Some additional tips:

Tilt the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and roll the brush away from the gum line.

Use floss, at least twice daily. Slide floss up and down, and then curve it around the base of each tooth.

Question: Doc, I see you twice a year – that’s enough, right?

A: Regular dental checkups are critical for evaluating dental health and for treating dental problems in their initial stages. Your dentist may recommend more frequent evaluations and procedures to maintain strong oral health. Keep in mind: the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral to general health. To schedule a free 2nd opinion, or, a new patient exam, just call our office. Call today: (503) 371-2424.

But, don’t just take my word for it. Here’s an excerpt from an article published in Success Magazine by Mehmet Oz, MD. In case your one of the few people who don’t know who Dr. Oz is just turn on the TV or Google “Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey.”

Dr. Oz was recently asked by a reader: “I haven’t been to a dentist is a while. But, my teeth seem fine. Any reason I should go anyway?”

Of course I would answer with a resounding “YES!” But, I am a dentist. It turns out that the famous TV personality and heart surgeon and general health expert agrees with me – he writes:

“Yes! Just because your teeth look good and aren’t causing you pain doesn’t mean that health problems aren’t lurking in your mouth. Seeing a dental professional every six months will help out those problems—such as gingivitis, an incredibly common early stage of gum disease—before they turn into issues requiring painful and expensive treatments and surgeries.

“It’s also important to remember that the mouth is like a window into the health of your entire body. In fact, gum disease has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and even cancer. So regular care may help keep the rest of your body healthy, too—and having someone checking for oral signs and symptoms of more serious diseases is never a bad idea, either. And while we’re at it, you’re flossing daily and brushing twice a day, right? Good.”

I’m sure you’ve heard and perhaps even know someone with first hand experience that is dealing with the rapidly growing number of cases of diabetes our country is experiencing. For some of us, as we age, we get better, like a fine cabernet. For others we age less gracefully. However, diabetes affects both of us. Below are some of the lesser-known affects of how blood sugar control can also affect your oral health and teeth.

High Blood Sugar: we all know sugar erodes, you’ve seen that video of teeth in a glass of soda? High blood sugar not only means you’re more likely to have painful cavities, you are also more prone to periodontal disease (gum disease). Flossing is a great way to reduce gum infections. So too of course is getting your two- or three-times yearly dental exams.

Low Blood Sugar: perhaps you’ve seen yourself or someone you love have a low blood sugar episode. Although glucagon injections are now available, most diabetics I know still eat the quick and tasty candy bar or other sugary item. Even if a diabetic brushes and flosses every time they eat sugar, their teeth have to work extra hard to keep up.

Balanced Blood Sugar: Exercise and diet are of course the best way to achieve this. But, even the finest of red wines needs to be handled with great care – else it turns to vinegar. Advances in medicine have brought diabetes management to almost everyone. If you know someone who has struggled with diabetes but not been to the dentist, please make sure they get an exam. As I have said in previous articles the teeth are windows to our health! Second opinions at my office are always free.

The question we should all be asking ourselves during this holiday season, is not, “Should I really have this third piece of fruit cake topped off with a couple of snickerdoodles?” Since the holidays are meant to be joyful and filled with love and sure, to experience amazing foods, the question we should be asking ourselves is, “What happens to my teeth if I happen to over-indulge this holiday season.”

We all know that moderation is the key to a healthier lifestyle. But, you can’t just go to one holiday party either; that wouldn’t be fair. To help guide you through some of the common holiday maladies that affect our teeth, I have included some helpful hints from the American Dental Association as well as a few other holiday teeth tips.

When enjoying the 3 F’s of the holidays (Family, Friends, & Food), remember these tips:

Eating sweet foods with meals helps neutralize acid production by increasing the amount of saliva; it helps “rinse” the food particles from the mouth;

If you are pondering a new smile and can’t decide between getting a denture and dental implants, here are a couple of helpful tips.

The first question you should ask yourself is: How long do you want your new smile to last? If you want a one you can treat like real teeth and will last for twenty years or longer, then implants are for you.

The next question you should ask yourself is: How much do I or will I take care of my new smile and, how easy is it to take care of them? Implants can be treated just like they are part of your original teeth. They look and function like real teeth – whether you have 1 or 4 or more. So, regular dental check-ups and routine home care (brushing & flossing) will keep your entire mouth in great shape.

Dentures will need to be removed and cleaned regularly, while also cleaning any existing teeth and of course, your gums (specifically those surrounding any partials). Dental implants are more permanent than partial dentures.

The last question you should ask yourself is: Which will I be most comfortable with? Partial dentures and implants both, look like real teeth, if your concerns are with how you feel and how you look, they shouldn’t be. Dentures do sometimes slip if they are old and worn, which can make eating or talking really uncomfortable or even embarrassing. More and more of our patients are deciding to pursue dental implants due in large part to the routine care, the convenience, and, the overall cost savings over dentures.

If you’d like to learn which option would be best for you, simply schedule a FREE 2nd opinion, at Dr. Glanville’s office: (503) 371-2424.